House of Representatives works to respond to national demonstrations.
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives introduced a sweeping 134-page bill to address police violence and racial injustice.
The legislation would include allowing victims of police misconduct to sue for damages, ban chokeholds, and require the use of body cameras by federal law enforcement officers. It would also restrict the use of lethal force, and facilitate independent investigations of police departments with patterns of misconduct.
“A profession where you have the power to kill should be a profession that requires highly trained officers who are accountable to the public,” Representative Karen Bass, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, told a news conference.
The legislation does not include a call to cut funding to police departments or for their abolishment, as some groups have sought. But lawmakers called for funding priorities to change.
House leaders expect the bill to come to the floor before the end of June. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is noncommittal on the need for legislation.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the House of Representatives as they consider the proposed legislation that would change police culture.
- For state and city governments, police departments, and others in leadership across the country as they work toward positive solutions to injustice.
Sources: Reuters, New York Times
